Kantele

The kantele is a traditional Finnish stringed instrument, related to zithers, with a history dating back thousands of years. It typically has 5 to 15 strings stretched over a wooden body. Players pluck the strings with fingers or picks to produce melodic sounds, often accompanying singing or storytelling. The kantele’s distinctive, haunting tone is central to Finnish folk music, capturing a sense of heritage and natural beauty. Its design varies from simple, small models to elaborate, multi-stringed instruments, making it an important cultural symbol in Finland and neighboring regions.